In the whole world especially in our country the oppression that is being unleashed on the people particularly on the women has a foundation. The oppression is not descending from the sky. The ideological foundation for the discrimination on women by men and at times by women themselves is: generally the people believe, particularly the men believe that women are inferior to men having low quality & below standard. The belief also exists in the women. This belief originates from some wrong ideas among the people. And on this belief is standing firmly the whole structure of oppression, deprivation and disrespect towards women.If we want to eliminate discrimination on women from our country, it cannot be done excluding Islam. I want to make it very clear that in a country like ours where ninety percent people are Muslims, we would not be able to move without Islam. Those who have revolted against Islam could not last long and are not able to sustain. With all humbleness I would like to say that if we can move ahead remaining within the framework of Islam then it will be good in all respects. I firmly believe that there is such a framework in Islam, which can ensure the progress of women.
I am not in favour of distorting Islam nor I am inclined to giving temporary interpretation of Islam. In true sense, Islam has empowered women and Islam has upheld respect for women. Islam has ensured rights for women. But before enlarging on this I would mention what could be the basis or "ideological foundation" on which the fundamental equality of men & women depends? Allah has not created all human beings with similar appearance. Two persons are never equal in every dot or in all respects. One person is different from another in terms of his weight, height, colour, education etc. But basically every human being is equal - equal to Almighty Allah.
There is a quote a verse (172) from Sura A`araf: When thy Lord drew forth From the children of Adam From their loins- Their descendants and made them. Testify concerning them (saying) "Am I not your Lord (Who cherishes & sustains you)? They said: "yea! We do testify!
It means all men and women reached an agreement on one point that is, "You are our Lord and we shall obey you. Here no separate agreements were made with men or with women. Any other inequality or dissimilarity if any is insignificant or very small compared to the equality of human soul or spirit.
It means that the spiritual personalities of a human being are the same and so as 'human beings` all are equal. This is the fundamental foundation of equality among men and women.
By Mariam Javed
